‘Frozen’ Ices Competition, Passes $300 Million

Disney’s CG animated musical Frozen is proving a huge hit for the studio, gliding past the $300 million mark in U.S. box offices this week and raking in over $650 million worldwide–even with key markets like Japan, Korea and China yet to open. These figures set Frozen on track to possibly become Disney’s highest grossing animated film ever (an honor currently claimed by The Lion King and its 3-D re-release, which combine for a sum of $987.4 million). Deadline‘s Anita Busch speculates that Frozen‘s success might lead it to become the next Broadway sensation for the Mouse House, like the multi-Tony Award-winning The Lion King stage show before it and the upcoming Aladdin musical (March 20). Frozen‘s soundtrack today hit number 1 on the Billboard chart. While there is no official plan yet, a “top Disney executive” admitted the possibility.

The fairytale might also become the highest grossing non-sequel Disney and/or Pixar release (Toy Story 3 holds the top spot), and may surpass Finding Nemo, which took in $868 million worldwide during its initial run–though the 3-D re-release nudged its global total to $936.7 million. Around the world, Frozen has become the highest grossing Disney animated flick of all time in Russia, U.K. and Mexico and had the biggest opening for a Disney pic in Brazil.

“It was a super rare feat for Frozen to return to the top spot after its initial opening which puts it line with Avatar and Titanic, and if you are ever mentioned in a sentence with them, you know there is something going right,” Dave Hollis, EVP of distribution for Walt Disney Studios, told Busch. “It was a snowball effect. It had more momentum as time went by. It all began with a really great story and creative excellence, and if you think about it, that is the foundation on which the company was built. Quality storytelling and creating memorable characters with heart ultimately transcends language and culture which is why we are seeing strong business internationally.”